The Phillies scored enough runs to win last night, but they have scored three or fewer runs in four of their first six games. So they are not out of the woods yet, but it certainly helps Phillies starters have a 1.60 ERA through six games. Joe Blanton was impressive last night, allowing three hits and one run in seven innings. The Phillies are 13-3 in Blanton’s last 16 regular-season starts at Citizens Bank Park, although he has a 4.29 ERA.

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Jonathan Papelbon didn’t sound Wednesday like he was real high on Alice in Chains’ “Man in the Box” as his closer’s music. Sure enough, he changed it. He made his entrance in the ninth inning last night to Marilyn Manson‘s “Antichrist Superstar.”

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It is a little unclear how the Phillies will set up the eighth inning in save situations, but last night they had Chad Qualls on the mound and Antonio Bastardo warming up if needed. If Qualls continues to throw well — the Phillies liked his Spring Training — I could see Qualls settling into the role much like Ryan Madson handled the role in 2008 for Brad Lidge.

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Freddy Galvis is looking more and more impressive at second base the more you watch him play. He made several nice plays last night. He also committed his first error, but it looked like a ball that got on him quicker than he expected.

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Jim Salisbury and I co-authored the book The Rotation, which is now available. Check it out here! Here are our upcoming book signings:

barring unseen injuries, it will all be about the hitting/scoring this year. Very few questions about the pitching, except, as you indicated, in the 7th or 8th inning. I am happy the kid is settling down into his new role. Good for Big Joe too! Maybe this will be his year.

I remember covering a Williamsport Crosscutters game a few years ago, when Galvis was their shortstop. Then-manager Greg Legg told me Galvis had a big league glove THEN as a 17-year-old. Of course, he batted .203 that season.

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